i've spoken with president obama several times. last time was at midnight last night and he assured me we'd have an expedited process with fema, and get whatever assistance he needed. he moved the expedited process this morning by declaring new jersey a major disaster area. the eight counties receiving an immediate declaration for individual and public assistance include atlantic, cape may, hudson, essex, middlesex, marmouth and union. this is not final and other counties will be added as we make the damage assessment. the biggest issues we're facing right now in the most impacted counties are search and rescue and restoration of power. i want to make sure we're getting to new jersey for those who chose to not leave evacuated areaers on got caught in floodwaters. our priority is to help every new jerseyian. engaging in coastline rescue efforts. our swift water team is positioned in atlantic city and has begun rescue and recovery for those who remained in atlantic city. the team's ununits from central and south to union beach, middl